Linville Falls

The weekend went great and I got to use a bunch of new stuff.

The Go-Power 120w portable solar panel worked great. It kept the batteries topped off and would charge even with cloudy skies. This thing is very nicely assembled, but the instructions leave ALOT to be desired. Figured out that you have to turn off load mode so it will send a charge to the batteries. I showed 3/4 on Sunday according to my built-in battery gauge after a late night of TV watching, all the lights on, fans on, etc. I was actively trying to use up battery power by leaving things on. Seems to me the only way to really run these down is to run coffee maker, microwave or a toaster on the inverter. I do like my toast, but the other things I can do without. LED lights are the bomb, yo!

I only ran my Yamaha generator on Sunday morning so I could make some toast and charge up the batteries, as I had put the panel away at dusk on Saturday. Did test running the AC, but it would only trip the genset. I did run AC with this generator on my old trailer, but this one will not run. Go figure. Been looking at the Yamaha 2800, but not sure I want to get that or buy another 2000 and hook to my existing 2000. Seems like double the noise and double the fuel that way. I do also have a Yamaha 1000 watt, but not sure you can parallel that with a 2000.

Ran my Dish Tailgaiter, Reciever and Samsung 22" LED TV off the inverter some Friday, all day and evening Saturday and some Sunday morning. Works great and got several people to stop by and ask about it.

I got to run my new propane fire pit - this is the one: 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I like this one much better that the little red campfire I had used previously. It's much larger, burns about the same amount of propane (a lot), but the fire is more pleasing and "realistic". It's alot more to store and has no cover, so could be messy loading and unloading.

Several people stopped by to admire my Vantage. I overheard one couple comment "that's one of those expensive trailers". If they only knew.

Hiked all the trails from the visitor center to the falls. Got some great pictures. Lots of people with their dogs on the trails. All well behaved and did not encounter any free-range poops.

I've had various RV's for over 20 years. Never had any problems with tank emptying until the last few outings. Second time I've been sprayed with poop water from a hose not sealing up properly. Luckily no witnesses, and I could change clothes and clean up. I may need to get better hoses/attachments.

I really like this campground. Seems fairly well cared for and was quiet and orderly until this big group came in. It looked to be several families together with about 20 kids hooping and hollering and running around. I enjoyed watching their chaos, but some other folks were clearly perturbed. Mostly tent campers as this place has no hookups. Surprisingly, they had bathrooms, but no showers.

Sadler's Creek 2

I spent this weekend getting my Vantage squared away and ready to go for the season.

Went on a shopping trip to get all the things I think I'll need this season - stuff for the kitchen and other misc. stuff.

Got my battery changed out to the Trojan 225. Wanted to put 2 6Vs in, but they wouldn't fit the rack.

I moved the TV it came with back to the bedroom area and hung a new 22" LCD where the original one was - got a new articulating mount so you can actually see the TV from the sofa.

Got all the water systems drained of all the crappy (yellow) water from the dealership, flushed and refilled with my good water from home. 

Reorganized the cabinets and the outside storage area. Did some touch-ups and cleaning.

Unpacked and set up my new Equal-I-Zer hitch. I like this thing. It took me about 3 tries, but I got it set up perfectly. This is a big step up from the EzLift I had. Basically I've got my Suburban level, and the trailer level. With a load on the front axle, and the Timbrens not engaged, it's a much better handling arrangement.

Decided to go to Sadler's Creek State Park for the weekend - the weather is looking to be mild (mid-sixties) and it will be a good opportunity to shake her out. Think I'll not plug in at all and see if I can make it Friday to Sunday. May put my kayak in the lake.

Best Tow Ever - Vantage 19UL

I've had a busy weekend and it's not yet over!

Yesterday I drove from PA to IN pick up my new Vantage 19UL from Walnut Creek RV in New Castle, IN. I purchased this trailer for weekend trips at home - upgrading from an existing tag-long I bought last year - a Surveyor 189. The Surveyor was just too small for me, but otherwise a very nice, economical trailer.

They were very nice folks, were ready for me when I arrived, we did the PDI and I was on my way in about 2 hours. This place is a huge dealership with alot of inventory, a big service center and a campground. If it were closer to me, I'd definitely make use of them, but they are not. If they are near you, I'd recommend you give them a shot at your business.

This Vantage has got to be the best tow I have ever experienced with a TT. It's nearly as nice as my Columbus 320 5th wheel. It even has better road manners than my show car hauler, which has an extremely low center of gravity.

Since this purchase was on such short notice, I decided to pick up this TT with my 2500 with only a ball hitch - no w/d or sway. I didn't want to purchase another since I have an extra at home, and frankly wasn't sure I really needed it. Weight is around 5,000 lbs with a tongue weight around 680. I'll certainly use the WD when I hook up my Suburban, but doubt I'll need the sway control.

I think with the Vantage, it's a testament to the benefits of over-design and aerodynamics. The wind resistance you normally feel with a trailer was just not there. Passing semis and wind gusts were no issue at all - in fact you really don't feel anything.

This trailer has tandem 4400 lbs axles, mor-ryde suspension and 16" wheels. Way more loading capacity than this trailer will ever see. Normally when I've pulled trailers, I've always had this fear something could easily be broken. With the Vantage, it just feels very solid - the suspension absorbs the bumps, there is no bounce or pushing the truck around. So highly recommend the idea of over-size wheels on a trailer.

I cruised most of the way from IN to SC between 68-70 mph (normally I go 60-62 with a trailer). With one hand on the wheel most of the way. Very relaxed tow. Felt I could have easily gone faster without any stress. Got 14 mpg in the flats, 13 mpg in the mountains. I didn't get that kind of mileage towing my Surveyor 189 - and that was over 1000 lbs less!

If anything, I hope that Keystone applies some lessens in aerodynamics from the Vantage line to their other products - it definitely makes a difference.